Shoppers can find luxury handbags up and down Worth Avenue, but a new shop aims to offer something special.

“We specialize in mainly Hermes and Chanel, but the rare and unusual within those brands,” said Virgil Rogers, owner of Only Authentics at 325 Worth Ave. in Via DeMario.

Rogers collects and re-sells vintage bags that he buys from clients, many of whom he said live on the island.

“The skin bags are always very expensive and rare,” he said, pointing to a black crocodile gloss Birkin, 35 cm, and an iris Birkin in ostrich. “We try to keep a variety. Each leather is a different type of leather.”

The boutique opened in January. Rogers said he’s been in the luxury antique and vintage business for 30 years. He used to run a store named Art & Industrial Design in New York focusing on mid-century/modern furniture and art. But he said he’s always had a passion for handbags.

“The handbag itself is an art form,” he said. “I look at it as a piece of art.”

Rogers said he has family in West Palm Beach and had been visiting Palm Beach for decades.

“It’s something that I’ve always thought about,” he said of opening a shop here. “Worth Avenue is fantastic. A lot of people who buy in New York buy in Palm Beach as well so it’s a good location.”

“I love when something totally unique pops up on the Avenue,” she said. “Only Authentics fits the bill. The bags are beautifully displayed in glass cases and you can tell Virgil is very passionate about his business. Shops like Only Authentics are what makes Worth Avenue such a remarkable shopping experience.”

Rogers said he deals solely in handbags, seldom accepts consignments and only re-sells bags that are in pristine condition. He said Only Authentics also offers a concierge service.

“If someone is interested in buying a Birkin and they want to see say 10 or 15 choices, we will physically bring the bags to them and show them to them in their house,” he said.

Rogers specializes in Chanel and Hermes because of their quality, he said.

“I believe that those are the best investment bags that you can buy,” he said. “They hold their value. You can always sell a Chanel or Hermes and you can get your money back if not even more than what you paid.”

The bags range from $1,500 to $80,000. Rogers also participates in antique shows around the country, including Palm Beach and Miami.

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